Reviews - The Summer Before the War

848 reviews for:

The Summer Before the War

Helen Simonson

3.72 AVERAGE

yulelog's review against another edition

4.0

emotional slow-paced

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

hildamarie's review against another edition

4.0

Fans of Downton Abbey will love this story. Set in the same time period, this novel does not have the same upstairs/downstairs focus of Downton, instead we are treated to a view of what life was like in the town at that time...more amongst the working people who know what a weekend is. :) But rest assured, the focus and commentary on changing social norms, gender roles, and class struggle is present. This is very much a novel about character, as well as characters, and it was a pleasure to read. One of those novels that I hated to see end.

rachel_reads_regularly's review against another edition

4.5

emotional funny reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

desmojo's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 11%

Did not find it interesting.

knit_the_resistance's review

5.0

emotional funny sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A slow, gentle amble through the British countryside in the lead up to WWI, this book reveals and skewers social norms. It explores themes of women in the workforce, social structure, prejudice towards Roma, homophobia, r*pe, unwed mothers... Under layers of ribbons and lace and cigar smoke and copious cups of tea.